Suicide prevention bill passes committee

The House Common Education Committee passed Rep. Kay Floyd’s HB 1623, which will provide school-wide training that focuses on suicide prevention and early intervention for school staff and students.

“Our children face so many pressures today,” said Floyd. “This bill will help Oklahoma’s school children arm themselves against peer pressure, bullying, and other challenges that are related to suicide. My bill provides for counseling, referrals, training, medical care and other assistance for vulnerable youth in our state so that we can hopefully reverse this trend that has such an impact on our communities overall.”

Floyd’s legislation provides for large, school wide presentations to staff, parents, and students using early intervention techniques and real examples and testimony from those who have dealt directly with student suicide and bullying.

“Adults should protect our children and give them the tools and resources necessary to be healthy and live their lives to the fullest,” said Floyd. “This training will not only help individuals, but will also increase community awareness so our schools can be one step closer to becoming the safe havens they should be for our kids.”